Ugh. I'm sorry you had such a miserable meeting. How frustrating and ridiculous. I think it may be true that a full-time GT program in itself is not always great for HG+ kids. My kiddo thrives in one, but he also has skipped a grade. (And the teachers really do get HG kids in my son's program.) I'm so sorry you have to go through this.
I would recommend pursuing the appeal, just to give you some options. You have an excellent argument that your son belongs in FT GT. Also, if you have any possibility of homeschooling, I recommend that you at least consider it. It makes advocacy a lot easier if you have a decent backup option. Much less stressful.
